Jets' Idzik remains mum on Revis trade rumors

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. , Associated Press

Apr. 17, 20134:09 PM ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — John Idzik acknowledged that he and Darrelle Revis recently had "a nice talk." Other than that, the new New York Jets general manager divulged very little, particularly about the swirling trade rumors involving the star cornerback.

Revis is entering the last season of his four-year contract signed in 2010, but is looking for a big payday that would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. A clause in that deal prevents the Jets from using the franchise or transition tag on him next year, so if he remains unsigned, he would become a free agent in 2014.

As the Jets weigh whether to try to sign him to a contract extension, lose him to free agency next offseason or deal him for high draft picks, Revis has been the subject of rampant trade rumors, with Tampa Bay appearing to be the most likely suitor.

"A trade is certainly a viable option," Idzik said, speaking in general terms. "We will definitely look at any trade possibilities and see if it benefits the Jets. We'll have open discussion on potential trades, and a lot of them may be our own what-if scenarios, but we'll explore all avenues to try to better our roster, to increase the competition on our roster."

Revis reported to the team's facility Monday for the first day of the Jets' voluntary offseason conditioning program, and has met with Idzik since.

"I've spoken to Darrelle, and we've had a nice talk," Idzik said. "In general, we like to keep these kinds of things among ourselves. What has been nice is that with the opening of our offseason program, we're in a stage where we can finally see our players."

Revis' surgically repaired left knee was looked at by the Jets' doctors, a few hours after having an MRI exam Monday with Dr. Russell Warren, the Giants' team orthopedist, at a hospital in Manhattan. Revis was reportedly cleared by Warren to begin running without restrictions.

Idzik wouldn't go into specifics regarding the results of the exam by team doctors.

"Most of that stuff is going to stay internal, but we're pleased," Idzik said of Revis' progress. "We're pleased with what's going on so far."

Revis tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last September against Miami, and underwent surgery the next month. He has been rehabbing with Fischer Sports in Arizona since, and has indicated that he fully expects to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Revis would have preferred to return to Arizona to continue his rehab, but will remain in New Jersey because his contract includes a clause for three $1 million bonuses that are tied together, including a workout bonus.

"We'll maintain that whatever's best for Darrelle and his rehab, the Jets will wholeheartedly support," Idzik said.

The GM added that the team wants to be "intricately involved" in Revis' continued rehab, but dodged a question about whether the Jets considered allowing the cornerback to go back to Arizona during the next few weeks.

"Anytime a player comes into your building and you get to see him and you get to be involved, firsthand, in the rehabilitation, that's always a plus," Idzik said. "But there's a lot of factors that go into rehab schedules and who's doing what where. So we take that into account."

Revis was New York's first-round pick in 2007 when then-GM Mike Tannenbaum traded up to No. 14 to draft the former University of Pittsburgh star. Revis quickly established a reputation on the field as a shutdown cornerback, routinely holding wide receivers to quiet games and causing quarterbacks to shy away from his side of the field.

He has also become arguably one of the franchise's greatest players, but Idzik would not commit to Revis remaining on the roster.

"I don't like looking too far ahead, I really don't," Idzik said. "Everyone's anxious to know. We prepare for different things that could happen and we let things play out. I don't like to get into speculation or the percentages."

Notes: Backup QB Tim Tebow remains a member of the Jets despite the expectations that he will either be traded or released in the next few weeks. "He's a New York Jet," Idzik said. "It shouldn't be surprising." Tebow, who reported for voluntary workouts Monday, has generally not been mentioned as part of the Jets' quarterback competition that will include Mark Sanchez, David Garrard and Greg McElroy. "I'm not saying he is, and I'm not saying he isn't," Idzik said. "I'm just saying let's let things play out." He added that it's early in the offseason training process, and "we can't even throw a football for another two weeks. We've got to get that changed."... The Jets are expected to re-sign OLB Calvin Pace, cut in February, to a one-year deal.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — John Idzik acknowledged that he and Darrelle Revis recently had "a nice talk." Other than that, the new New York Jets general manager divulged very little, particularly about the swirling trade rumors involving the star cornerback.